Breaking down the duties of the proposed NYPD inspector general

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(NEW YORK CITY) – What does the title of Inspector General of the NYPD translate to?

“Accountability, that is what it’s about,” Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito said to PIX 11 News on Thursday.

Councilman Jumaane Williams described it to PIX 11 News at, “All it is is some independent review and recommendations, that’s basically it?”

However, there are some like Councilman James Oddo that when they hear the words inspector general, their perspective of the office generates this simple belief, “I think it’s needless.”

Opponents of an inspector general for the NYPD feel that having a checks and balance system in place that reviews the NYPD will only result in more crime,”It creates a culture that will have a chilling effect on police officers,” said Oddo.

Williams and others disagree. The Brooklyn councilman even brought his own displays to indicate that NYPD’s crime statistics and the potential crippling of the department from doing its job just doesn’t add up. However, what also doesn’t add up in the eyes off critics is the cost of the office. The proposed Inspector General office will have a staff of 19 and cost approximately 1.9 million-dollars per year once up to full speed. As for the source of funds to cover the estimated costs? That is still Not/Available according to documents. Nonetheless ultimately it will be paid by taxpayers.

However for some like bill co-sponsor Councilman Brad Lander. The office is worth the investment, because at the core of all this is stop and frisk. Which means that when combined with last weeks federal ruling which covers the short term, an NYPD Inspector General will cover the long-term future of the controversial practice.